Yesterday Butch Harmon announced that he has cut John Daly loose. Butch said he worked with him three times this year , but John's behavior at the PODS Championship was enough to end their short-lived relationship.
There was a 2 1/2 hour rain delay in the first round and John spent it in the Hooter's tent. When play resumed, Daly had John Gruden, Buc Coach, out on the course caddying for him. Butch was really frosted. Gruden caddying "was ridiculous. I thought he made a circus of the whole event."
"My whole goal for him was he's got to show me golf is the most important thing in his life,'' Harmon said from his golf school in Las
Vegas. "And the most important thing in his life is getting drunk.''
"He would work hard and get better, but when things don't go right, it's back to the alcohol stuff,'' Harmon said. "I love this kid. He's a tremendous talent. But if he's not going to give 100 percent effort, it's a waste of my time.''
John was the ninth alternate when he won the PGA Championship in 1991 at Crooked Stick, and he captured the British Open at St. Andrews four years later. His last victory came four years ago at the Buick Invitational, but his game has been in a tailspin ever since, and his personal life has been as rocky as ever.
Butch is currently voted the best swing coach in golf. He really wanted to help.
"I've let him know that after his actions of last weekend, we are no longer together,'' Harmon said. "In all honesty, I'm a very busy person. I'm willing to help the kid, but until he helps himself and makes golf his No. 1 priority, I'm not his guy."
So... it's tough for all the Daly fans, I know. If John wants to get it together, it's all up to him now.
Yuk.
Marion
